Parity Generator for Energy-Efficient Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage apparatuses consume significant energy in generating parity bits for comparison during each read access, leading to potential silent data corruption due to undetectable even number bit flips.
Innovation Solution
A parity generator that generates a parity value independently of read access, allowing concurrent error detection only when data bit changes occur, reducing energy consumption and preventing silent data corruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parity checking circuitry generates a parity bit for comparison during each read access, then data integrity can be verified, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating the parity bit concurrently with data writing and storing it in a separate latch, rather than generating it during each read access. This preliminary preparation of the parity bit eliminates the need for repeated computation during reads, resolving the contradiction between reliability verification and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If parity bit is generated and stored in association with data value, then error detection is enabled, but silent data corruption from even number bit flips may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the parity bit through a detector that triggers an error signal when the parity bit changes state. This continuous feedback mechanism detects bit flips immediately when they occur, preventing silent data corruption by alerting the system to the error condition before it can propagate undetected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the parity bit monitoring active and responsive to changes rather than static. The detector continuously observes the parity bit state and dynamically responds to transitions, enabling real-time detection of bit flips and preventing silent data corruption through active error monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a plurality of storage units. A parity generator is configured to generate a parity value in dependence on the respective values stored in the plurality of storage units. The parity generator is configured such that determination of the parity value is independent of a read access to the data stored the plurality of storage units. A detector is configured to detect a change in value of the parity value.